Alright, picture this: Ola, the ride-hailing giant that wants to own the future with AI, has its super-smart venture, Krutrim (cool name, right?). But instead of making headlines for next-gen innovation, it’s making waves for something a lot more… human. Turns out, the company’s biggest AI challenge isn’t about algorithms or machine learning—it’s about people. Yup, the human kind.
What’s Going Down at Krutrim?
So, Krutrim was supposed to be Bhavish Aggarwal’s brainchild that would take on OpenAI, DeepSeek, and every other AI disruptor in the game. But plot twist—people inside the company are running for the exit faster than a passenger canceling an overpriced Ola ride.
Big names in leadership, like Vipul Shah (VP, Products) and Gautam Bhargava (VP, AI Engineering), have left within months of joining. And they weren’t alone. Key figures from machine learning, AI research, and even the business side have dipped, leaving Krutrim in a bit of a mess.
And this isn’t some casual job switch situation. When top-level executives start dropping out in groups, it screams “something’s seriously wrong” behind the scenes.
Why Are People Leaving?
If the AI industry were a college, Krutrim is starting to look like that one toxic group project where everyone drops out before the deadline.
1. The “Aggressive” Work Culture
Bhavish Aggarwal is known for his high expectations and “intense” leadership style. While that works great when you’re pushing for breakthroughs, it also leads to a high-pressure, high-stakes environment. Employees at Ola (and now Krutrim) have reportedly struggled with aggressive deadlines, unrealistic goals, and a work culture that doesn’t exactly scream “employee-friendly.”
2. Unclear Direction
Krutrim was announced with a lot of buzz, but AI insiders have been questioning what exactly Ola’s long-term game plan is. Are they focusing on AI for mobility? Competing with ChatGPT? Developing their own chips? When a company lacks a clear vision, it’s hard to keep top talent invested.
3. The Start-Up vs. Corporate Clash
Start-ups thrive on speed and risk-taking, while corporate structures need stability. Krutrim is stuck in the middle—it’s got the funding and backing of a giant like Ola, but it still wants to move at start-up speed. That’s causing friction. Employees are expected to move fast, but the decision-making process is reportedly chaotic.
And let’s be real—no one likes to feel replaceable.
Bhavish Aggarwal’s “Self-Respect” Email
As if that wasn’t enough, CEO Bhavish Aggarwal recently sent out a company-wide email slamming employees for low office attendance. His words? Employees should have some “basic self-respect” and show up to work.
Now, if you’ve ever worked in a corporate setup, you know that emails like this never end well.
🚨 Instant controversy alert. 🚨
The Internet Reacts… Hard
The minute that email leaked, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit were flooded with reactions. Some found it hilarious, some found it outright insulting. Memes popped up, and employees at other firms even started sharing their own “worst boss emails” as a response.
But let’s take a step back. What’s really happening here? People aren’t skipping work for fun. With so many resignations, growing pressure, and what some call an “unforgiving” work culture, it’s no surprise people aren’t exactly jumping out of bed to rush to the office.
What This Means for Ola’s AI Future
AI might be the next big thing, but building the future takes more than just big ideas—it takes people.
Krutrim promised to be India’s answer to the global AI boom, but if it keeps bleeding talent, it might just become another case of “what could have been.”
Here’s what could happen next:
1. A Major Leadership Reset
If Ola wants Krutrim to succeed, it has to fix its leadership crisis. That means bringing in a team that actually stays, and more importantly, one that employees want to work with.
2. A Culture Shift (Or Else More Exits)
Bhavish Aggarwal’s high-intensity leadership style has always been a talking point. But now, it’s become a liability. If Krutrim doesn’t adapt to retain talent, it could see even more top names walk away.
3. Can They Recover?
Honestly? It’s a 50-50. If Ola course-corrects fast, Krutrim still has a chance to be a game-changer in India’s AI space. If not, it might just become another ambitious but failed AI dream.
One thing’s for sure: this drama isn’t over yet. 🍿
What do you think? Would you work at Krutrim, or is this just another corporate horror story in the making?